RLJP’s Pashupati Kumar Paras Leaves NDA Over ‘Neglect of Dalit Party’, Hints at Future Alliance with Mahagathbandhan
Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP) president Pashupati Kumar Paras has officially ended his party’s ties with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). He accused the BJP-led alliance of repeatedly ignoring his party, which he described as a voice for Dalits. He claimed that the RLJP faced continuous disrespect within the alliance, simply because it represents Dalit interests.
The announcement was made on Ambedkar Jayanti, a day observed in honour of Dr B.R. Ambedkar, a key architect of the Indian Constitution and a Dalit icon. At an event in Patna’s Bapu Sabhagar, Paras declared his party’s decision to quit the NDA and said that it no longer had any connection with the alliance.
While he didn’t directly say that the RLJP would join the Mahagathbandhan (the Grand Alliance), he indicated that the party is open to exploring new alliances in the future, especially with those who show respect for their political identity and mission.
“NDA Left Us, We Didn’t Leave Them” – Paras
In his speech and in interviews given to the media, Paras said that his party had remained loyal to the NDA since 2014. He strongly denied the suggestion that he was the one who ended the partnership. “I did not walk out of the NDA. It is the NDA that abandoned us,” he said.
He explained that although the RLJP had five Members of Parliament, none of them were given tickets for the upcoming elections. That’s when it became clear, according to him, that the NDA partners, especially the BJP, do not value Dalit voices.
“Even in tough times, I stood with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I went for my nomination too. But my party was continuously insulted. That’s when it was confirmed that the BJP might be anti-Dalit,” Paras added.
RLJP Was Not Acknowledged As NDA Partner
Paras pointed out that despite being part of the NDA, his party was not even mentioned as one of the alliance members in Bihar. “The BJP and JD(U) said that there are five NDA partners in Bihar. My party was not even named,” he said.
He expressed deep disappointment with the way the party was being treated and said it was humiliating. “We were loyal partners, but they did not treat us equally. That’s why we had to take this decision,” Paras explained.
Accusation Against Amit Shah
Paras went a step further and accused Union Home Minister Amit Shah of showing disrespect to Dr B.R. Ambedkar. Without providing specific details, he said, “The Home Minister insulted Ambedkar Sahib, and the country witnessed it.”
This comment added more fuel to the already charged political environment and highlighted the growing tensions between RLJP and the central leadership of the BJP.
What About His Son’s Role in Elections?
When asked whether his son Yashraj Paswan would be given a ticket in the upcoming elections, Paras said that the party would collectively take a decision. “We believe in democracy within the party. If the party decides that he should contest, he will,” Paras said.
RLJP Preparing to Contest All 243 Seats in Bihar
Paras revealed that his party is now planning to contest all 243 Assembly seats in Bihar. He said that party workers are going to the public and starting a membership drive to strengthen their organisation.
He also mentioned that although there have been no formal discussions with the Mahagathbandhan, if the alliance offers them respect, the RLJP would consider joining hands in the future.
#WATCH | Patna, Bihar: On his decision to quit NDA, Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP) chief Pashupati Kumar Paras says, “I was with the NDA since 2014 till date. We were loyal allies of the NDA. You must have seen that when Lok Sabha elections were held, people of NDA did… pic.twitter.com/UBW8mlBGxy
— ANI (@ANI) April 14, 2025
“If Mahagathbandhan respects us and treats us fairly at the right time, we will definitely consider working together,” he said.
Old Ties With RJD and Lalu Yadav
Paras also spoke warmly about his long-standing relationship with RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav. He recalled that on January 15, Lalu Yadav visited his home despite his health issues, which he saw as a gesture of respect.
“I have had good relations with Lalu ji since 1977. I was a minister in his government. I have always had good ties with him and his family,” Paras said, pointing towards the possibility of a future alliance, though adding that no election-related talks had happened so far.
RLJP Attacks Nitish Kumar-Led Bihar Government
On Ambedkar Jayanti, during the event in Patna, RLJP leaders strongly criticised the Bihar government, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. They called it “anti-Dalit” and accused it of ignoring the issues of marginalised communities.
Paras declared, “From today, our party has no relation with the NDA. We are no longer part of the alliance that disrespects Dalit voices.”
He also demanded that the late Ram Vilas Paswan, founder of the Lok Janshakti Party and a respected Dalit leader, should be awarded the Bharat Ratna posthumously.
Former MP Prince Raj Speaks Out
Former Member of Parliament and RLJP leader Prince Raj also addressed the gathering. He said that the Nitish Kumar government had used the prohibition law unfairly to target Dalits and poor people.
He said, “If our party comes to power, our first order will be to release all Dalits and poor people who were jailed under the pretext of prohibition.”
According to him, the prohibition law is being misused to harass marginalised communities. “This is not a law against liquor; it’s a law against Dalits,” he said.
He also criticised Chirag Paswan, leader of Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), accusing him of being silent on Dalit issues. “You call yourself a protector of Dalits, but why don’t you speak up when Dalits are being jailed under the prohibition law?” he asked.
No Talks Yet With Mahagathbandhan, Says Paras
In an interview with ABP News, Paras clarified that no political discussions had taken place with the Mahagathbandhan about the upcoming elections. However, he did not rule out the possibility of joining hands in the future.
“We have not spoken with Mahagathbandhan yet. But we are open to working with anyone who respects our identity and mission,” he said.
Preparing for the Future
The RLJP has now begun preparing for a solo campaign across Bihar. They are starting a state-wide outreach program, focusing on recruitment and organisational strength.
The party is trying to position itself as a strong voice for Dalits and marginalised communities, especially in the backdrop of increasing criticism against both the central and state governments.
While RLJP’s next political move is still unclear, the party seems to be keeping its options open. With elections approaching, many political observers believe the party might join the Mahagathbandhan or form its own front if given due respect and proper seat-sharing arrangements.
A Political Turning Point
The RLJP’s decision to leave the NDA could prove to be an important shift in Bihar’s political landscape. With the party now planning to contest all seats, it may split votes in key constituencies, especially those with high Dalit populations.
Pashupati Kumar Paras’s sharp criticism of the BJP and JD(U) for allegedly ignoring Dalit concerns reflects deeper issues in the NDA’s internal politics. His emotional appeal on Ambedkar Jayanti also adds a symbolic layer to his exit, as the day represents the values of social justice and equality.
Now, the focus will be on whether RLJP aligns with the Mahagathbandhan or contests alone. Either way, the decision marks a critical realignment in Bihar’s politics ahead of a major election battle.
